starting at around 5:00pm in 103+ degree heat, waiting for the homers to sail over the right field wall. Cody and Charlie Caro got prime space along the outfield fence. They weren't sure who all of the players were, but they knew that many of these guys will go on to the majors, and that home run balls from the derby are great collectibles.
A softball game with local celebrities entertained fans as the sun sank slowly over the third-base side of Raley Field. The golden towers of the nearby bridge spanning the Sacramento River sparkled as the sky turned crimson and the thermometer ever-so-slightly dipped under the century mark.
From the center field wall a slow parade of classic cars emerged, chariots bearing the sluggers picked for this year's home run derby.
The evening's festivities were a big hit with fans, even if many of the dingers danced on the roof of the clubhouse in center field rather than dropping into the waiting hands in right field.
A New Way Day
This year's All-Star event tried new things. The second day began for players with an autograph signing for season ticket holders in the morning.
The line of enthusiastic fans brought baseballs, bats, hats, jerseys, 8x10s and even a bald head to autograph.
Fans were disappointed to find out that B.J. Upton didn't make it to the signing. The D-Rays precocious slugger didn't make it to the gig until late Wednesday night.
Autographs were followed by team photos in the early afternoon. Players got a chance to catch up with each other while they waited their turn for team photos.
Afterwards, it was batting practice, largely for the benefit of the media, in the searing Sactown heat. "The major leaguers would be [griping] about being out here now," joked one PCL coach standing behind the practice cage.
There were interviews in the afternoon and then, the highlight of the event outside of the game itself: The Triple-A All-Star Gala, held at the Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento.
The revised schedule made things more relaxed for everyone. The players, who enjoy the opportunity to catch up with old teammates, or to get reacquainted with guys that they see briefly on road trips, had some down-time to hang out. The owners, league officials, and media rub elbows for the one time outside of baseball's winter meetings.
This is also a family event. Players bring girlfriends, wives, and their kids. Ernie Young could be seen with his son pretty much everywhere during the week.
Matt Watson proved that he's enjoying fatherhood. There were a parade of gorgeous kids at the annual luncheon, which was a suit-and-tie affair.
Derby winner Mitch Jones' son Jason stole the show at the Home Run Derby by not only accepting the award with proud pop; he also showed us that he's learning his dad's text-book swing. Someone from the Yankees needs to sign this prospect before the home run derby of 2020.
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